The nurse delegates bathing an older adult client diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease to an experienced certified nursing assistant.The assistant accidentally nicks the client while shaving his chin.Who is legally liable for this error?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The courts have usually ruled that nurses are not liable for the negligence of other workers,provided that the nurse delegated appropriately.This was an appropriate delegation,so the nursing assistant will hold responsibility.The delegating nurse will not be held legally liable because the nursing assistant is qualified to perform this task.The nursing supervisor had nothing to do with this process and neither the nurse nor the nursing supervisor will be legally liable for this error.

The Nurse Delegates Bathing an Older Adult Client Diagnosed with Alzheimer's